2 Dead After Truck Crashes into Kenosha Business

n a devastating incident, two individuals lost their lives when an intoxicated driver crashed his pickup truck into a Play It Again Sports store in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The driver, identified as Ajay Pierangeli, 20 years old and from Pleasant Prairie, has been charged with multiple counts including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

The accident occurred on July 28 at approximately 3:25 a.m., prompting the Kenosha police to respond to the scene near Highway 50 and 40th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a red Dodge Dakota pickup truck that had collided with the building. Inside the vehicle were four unconscious passengers and one alert individual seated in the front passenger seat.

Due to extensive damage caused by the crash, authorities faced difficulties opening the doors on the driver's side of the truck. The Kenosha Fire Department was called for assistance in extracting occupants from the wreckage. Sadly, Dylan Zamora and Jenna Barrette - both rear-seat passengers - were pronounced dead at the scene according to information provided in a criminal complaint.

Another rear-seat passenger named Alex Wajerski was successfully removed from the vehicle and immediately rushed to hospital for treatment. Pierangeli himself sustained injuries during this tragic event and was also transported to receive medical care.

During investigations following this horrific incident, Quincy Hanson - who was seated in front alongside Pierangeli - spoke with law enforcement officials about what transpired leading up to it. According to Hanson's statement included within court documents, he revealed that none of them were wearing seat belts while they were out drinking together earlier that night at a local "hangout" spot in Kenosha.

Hanson further explained that they left around 2:30-2:45 a.m., intending to drop everyone off safely before heading home. A witness provided additional details in the complaint, where he stated that he witnessed the truck at an intersection and noticed a person hanging out of the driver's side while making gestures before it accelerated to nearly 70 mph.

Following Pierangeli's admission to Froedtert Hospital, a blood draw was conducted which revealed his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be .282 - more than three times the legal limit. As a result, an arrest warrant has been issued for Pierangeli, who now faces severe consequences if convicted on all charges. The potential sentence could amount to almost 70 years behind bars.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with drunk driving and highlights the importance of responsible decision-making when operating vehicles. Our thoughts go out to the families and friends affected by this devastating loss in Kenosha.

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If you or a loved one was a victim in this or a similar accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

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